Vehicular anti-theft brake locking device and method

ABSTRACT

The invention applies to vehicular brakes for a predetermined time period whenever the vehicular coil or starting motor circuitry is energized with the ignition in the OFF position. A logic circuit is readied when the vehicle ignition is turned to the OFF position and/or the key removed. Subsequently, if the wires are crossed or a jumper used to excite the coil, starting solenoid or motor, the logic system senses this tampering and energizes an electro-mechanical pump to actuate a piston in an auxilliary cylinder connected to the vehicular brake system to apply and lock the brakes on under control of a timer. An alarm controlled by the timer may be sounded at any selected moment during the lock-up time. The circuitry is automatically reset at the expiration of the predetermined time to again sense his tampering and lock up the brakes if detected. Access is provided to the timer alarm to release the pump and alarm, but use of the ignition key is required to open the auxilliary cylinder.

United States Patent 1 1 3,698,505 Webley 1451 Oct. 17, 1972 [54]VEHICULAR ANTI-THEFT BRAKE [57] ABSTRACT LOCKING DEVICE AND METHODInventor: Houston F. Webley, 102 Park Avenue, l-lemdon, Va. 22070 Filed:May 17, 1971 Appl. No.: 143,763

[56] References Cited 7 I UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,891,628 6/1959 Embry..l80/ll4 3,614,460 10/1971 Hale ..'...307/l0 AT 3,657,697 4/1972Schultz ..340/64 Primary ExaminerGerald M. Forlenza AssistantExaminer-Robert J. Spar Att0rney-'Wilfred G. Caldwell U.S. Cl...l80/ll4, 188/106 P, 188/163,

The invention applies to vehicular brakes for a predetermined timeperiod whenever the vehicular coil or starting motor circuitry isenergized with the ignition in the OFF position. A logic circuit isreadied when the vehicle-ignition is turned to the OFF position and/orthe key removed. Subsequently, if the wires are crossed or a jumper usedto excite the coil, starting solenoid or motor, the logic system sensesthis tampering and energizes an electro-mechanical pump to actuate apiston in an auxilliary cylinder connected to the vehicular brake systemto apply and lock the brakes on under control of a timer. An alarmcontrolled by the timer may be sounded at any selected moment during thelock-up time. The circuitry is automatically. reset at the expiration ofthe predetermined time to again sense his tampering and lock up thebrakes if detected. Access is provided to the timer alarm to release thepump and alarm, but use of the ignition key is required to open theauxilliary cylinder.

11 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures IGN. COIL STARTER SOLENOID (/5 7 ELECTRO'TIMER MECHANICAL /67 ALARM (67 PUMP BRAKE LINE PATENTEDnm 17 I972 IGN.COIL I7 ELECTRO MECHANICAL PUMP TIMER ALARM STARTER SOLENOID LOGIC sTARTBRAKE LINE FIG! COIL

SOLENOID START OFF - INVENTOR HOUSTON E WEBLEY BY W? ATTORNEY VEHICULARANTI-THEFT BRAKE LOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD A great majority of theautomobiles stolen in the United States of America are taken because thewires behind the ignition switch were crossed or a jumper was used tostart the vehicles own engine and drive it away under its own power. Thepurpose of the present invention is to apply the brakesof the vehiclewhenever an attempt is made to steal it and to maintain the brakesapplied until the thieves have departed. A timer circuit is provided totime the application of the brakes and then automatically to releasesame in order that the vehicle is in condition for driving by the ownerupon his return. However, the protective arrangement is such that in theevent the thieves wait out the predetermined time period, i.e., 30minutes to.two hours, and then again attempt to steal the vehicle, thesystem will reapply the brakes for another predetermined time, and thusfoil each burglary attempt.

Of course, it is essential that the protective arrangement not apply thebrakes while the vehicle is being operated by the owner, andconsequently, it can only function when the ignition system is turned toits OFF position or alternatively to a burglar alarm position ifdesired. In either event, the function is the same and the OFF orburglar alarm ignition position is that position which only permitswithdrawing of the key from the ignition. Thus, the-ignition switch isarranged with an extra contact strip which applies battery voltage (8+)to the OFF contact when the key is turned off regardless of whether itis withdrawn from the ignition or not. A readying lead is added to thevehicular electrical system and extends from the OFF contact of theignition switch to a logic circuit which is triggered by positivepotential from the ignition coil circuitry or the starter motor(including start solenoid circuitry). Thus, it will be appreciated thatthe logic circuit is only powered when the ignition is OFF and cannot berendered effective during normal operation of the vehicle.

The purpose of the logic circuitry is to energize an electro-mechanicalpump or equivalent electromechanical device to apply the piston of anauxiliary cylinder connected to the vehicle brake system for locking thevehicle brakes in an operative position. This is preferably accomplishedthrough a timer alarm unit which may be settable by the operator todetermine the period of brake application after which the brakes areautomatically relieved and the vehicle is in ready condition foroperation. The alarm feature, although not always necessary, is providedso that at any time during the predetermined period the alarm may besounded to call attention to the attempted theft.

The logic circuitry is thus basically a gate circuit which receivespower from the OFF position of the ignition switch and is triggered topermit power to pass to the electro-mechanical unit whenever the coil orstarter motor circuitry is energized. A typical logic circuit is shownin the form of a transistor OR gate and inverter driver circuit, whereina first transistor is triggered ON by exitation of the coil or startermotor circuitry. And, in turn, triggers ON a second driver transistorwhich supplies an operating pulse to the timer alarm circuitry. Thetimer alarm circuitry is a commercial-unit inexpensively available ofeither the electrical RC type or electro-mechanical type. Upontriggering, it initiates the predetermined period and also extends 8+ tothe electro-mechanical pump to energize the same and cause the brakes tobe applied as a result of pressure in the auxiliary cylinder. Obviouslythe logic circuit is immediately reset upon the disappearance of coiland starter motor circuitry power as, for example, when the thievesdisconnect the jumper.

The timer circuit releases the power applied to the electro-mechanicalpump after a predetermined period so as not to run down the vehiclebattery. It also renders the car operable for normal operation but itmay be appreciated that insertion of the ignition key into the ignitionlock and turning it from the off position also renders the protectivecircuit inoperative and the car ready for normal operation.

A feature of the invention provides a trap door or lead in the auxiliarycylinder which can only be opened by using the ignition key to unlockthe same. This provides access to a reset button on the timer alarm unitto enable both the timer andalarm to be reset to ready the car fornormal operation and to eliminate the noise of the alarm.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the invention to providea new method for protecting a vehicle from theft.

' Another object of the invention is to provide a uniqueelectro-mechanical arrangement for protecting a vehicle fromunauthorized use.

The invention will be better understood from the following detaileddescription thereof when taken in the light of the accompanying drawingwherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall arrangement of the systemof the invention; and

FIG. 2 shows a detailed circuit in conjunction with theelectro-mechanical auxiliary cylinder for application of the vehicularbrakes in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a conventional ignition switchat 3which includes the usual electrical lead 5 from the ON contact tothe ignition coil at a different lead 7 from the start contact to thestarter motor solenoid. A separate power lead 29 has been added from theOFF connection to the added logic circuit 11, and annexed timer alarmunit 15. The timer alarm 15 extends B+ via lead 67 to electro-mechanicalpump 17 which in turn increases the pressure in the vehicular brake line79 via an added inter-connection 77.

It may be appreciated that the logic circuit is powered or readied frombattery power from battery lead 21 via ignition switch 3 and OFF contactand power lead 29. Logic circuit Il may be triggered from potential ONlead 23 from the ignition coil lead 5 or by potential 0N lead 25 fromthe starter circuitry lead 7. Triggering of logic circuit 11 applies asignal over lead 67 to initiate timer alarm circuitry 15 "and extends B+over the continuation lead 67 to electro-mechanical pump 17 forenergizing the vehicular brake system via brake line 79.

In FIG. 2 there is shown a specific detailed system for effecting theprinciples of the invention. Thus, the ignition switch 3 is equippedwith an added sliding contact 4 which extends potential from batterylead 21 to the OFF contact power lead 29 whenever the ignition is in theOFF position. Otherwise, contact 4 is revolved away from positive lead21 and another arcuate contact segment conventionally takes over for theON and start functions. The electro-mechanical arrangement of FIG. 2details a preferred type logic for use in the present system. Basically,the function of the logic circuitry is to assume a ready condition uponturning the key to the OFF position and/or removal of the key, such thatany subsequent energization of either the coil or starter motor orsolenoid for the starter motor or any one, two or more of thesecomponents, will assure triggering of the circuitry to applyenergization to the electromechanical pump 17 for application of thevehicular brakes (not shown).

In particular, in FIG. 2, there is shown a simple transistor OR gate andinverter driver to trigger the electro-mechanical pump 17 via the timerand/or alarm 15. A first transistor 20 of, for example, the ZN3901 type(NPN) has its collector 22 connected via load resistor 26 andcommon lead27 to the B+ power supply lead 29 extending from the OFF contact of theignition switch, emitter 31 being grounded at 33. Lead 29 may be hiddenor armour protected. 9

Alternative input circuits are provided to the input lead 35 for base37. The first of these input circuits comprises voltage divider resistor38 connected between input terminal 39 and common lead 35. To terminal39, there is connected the lead extending to the starter motorcircuitry, i.e., to the starter motor solenoid or the starter motoritself such that energization of either or both of these components willprovide a voltage input via resistor 38 to base 37 to trigger transistor20 on. Lead 25 may be imbedded in the starter motor wiring to obscuresame.

The orred or alternative input circuit for transistor 20 includesvoltage divider resistor 43 connected between terminal 45 and commonlead 35. To terminal 45 there is connected the lead 23 which extends tothe coil circuitry for the vehicle. This circuitry may include theprimary of the coil or may be imbedded in the coil and its lead to hidesame, but in any event the application of voltage to lead 23 alsoinsures turning transistor 20 on if it is not already operating.

When transistor 20 becomes conductive, the potential at junction point51 (between lead resistor 26 and collector 22) is dropped so that anegative going pulse is applied over interconnection 53 to the base 55of transistor 57, (e.g., ZN3906 of PNP type) its emitter 59 beingconnected over limiting resistor 61 and via lead 27 to the B+ power lead29. Dropping of the base potential relative to the emitter 59 causestransistor 57 I to conduct thereby providing a positive going pulsethrough isolation capacitor 63 (or printed as an input coupling to anelectrical type timer) as a result of potential dropped across loadresistor 65. The positive going pulse is applied to input triggeringlead 67 which extends to the timer alarm and the electromechanical pumpeither directly or via the timer alarm, causing energization of theelectro-mechanical pump and downward movement of its driven arm 71 tourge piston 73 downwardly against brake fluid 75 causing application ofthe brakes via connecting conduit 77 and brake line 79, the latter beinga portion of the original vehicular braking system.

The timer alarm establishes an independent B+ path to theelectro-mechanical pump to maintain the pump energized for the periodset on the timer, which may be, for example, 30 minutes, 5 minutes or 2hours. In the event the vehicle is housed in an area normally withinaudible range of people, it is usually desirable to sound the alarm,also. This is preferably done simultaneously with the application of thebrake, but may be set to be actuated at a minute or two afterapplication of the brake or alternatively some much later time, againdepending upon the chances of its being heard.

The auxiliary or extra cylinder 101 includes the timer alarm 15 andelectro-mechanical pump 17 and the only access to these components isvia the removable cap or lid 103 provided with key slot 105, the keyslot 105 preferably including a lock which uses the ignition key to openand close same to permit removal or cover 103 to reach the reset button107 so that only the operator or person with the vehicle key may releasethe application of pump 17 prior to the expiration of the timer periodor turn off the timer alarm 15 to quiet the alarm. It will be understoodthat in normal operation after the period of application of pump 17, thebrakes will be automatically released but the circuitry is in readinessto re-apply the brakes in the event of energization of either the coilor starter motor circuitry so long as the ignition switch remains in theOFF position.

The cylinder 101 may be affixed to the vehicular brake system during theoriginal manufacture of the vehicle or may be added subsequently toinstall the system on existing vehicles. It is preferably located nearthe top of the brake system and its connecting line 77 is joined influid-tight relation to the brake system depicted at 79. It does notinterfere with the normal operation of the braking system because a stop109 in the form of a. ring or abutments is provided on the interior ofcylinder 101 to prevent the piston 73 from being driven upwardly torender the brakes inoperative or mushy. A brake warning light (notshown) for low fluid or other metering device may be attached tocylinder 101 to signal low braking fluid and even enhance protection ofthe original braking equipment.

Stop 109 may actually comprise a smaller bore within cylinder 101forming a shoulder against which the piston 73 abuts in its upperposition, i.e., with the arm 71 returned upwardly to its home positionin the electromechanical pump, as by a return spring. The weight of arm71 and piston 73 is minimal because a light-weight piston 73 may bemanufactured of aluminum with an O ring or piston ring seal oralternatively a hard rubber or the like piston may be employed becausenormally this device is a passive device and will only be energized onthe rare instance of energization of the coil or starter motor circuitrywhen the ignition key is in the OFF position.

The timer alarm resets itself at the expiration of the predeterminedperiod, and upon release of energization of the pump, its piston isurged upwardly by a return spring, relieving the brake pressure.

Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to omit the timer alarmunit and operate the pump from the logic means.

What is claimed is:

l. A vehicular brake protective system for use with a vehicular key typeignition having an OFF contact, an ON contact supplying the ignitioncoil circuitry, and a START contact supplying the starter motorcircuitry comprising in combination electrically actuable means forapplying the vehicular brakes; logic means responsive to: the ignitionin its OFF conditionand at least one of the ignition coil and startermotor circuitry when energized to cause triggering of the logic circuit;and timer means responsive to triggering of the logic circuit to actuatethe electrically actuable means to apply the vehicular brakes.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrically actuable meanscomprises an auxiliary cylinder in fluid connection with the brakesystem of the vehicle.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said auxiliary cylinder comprisesaccess means and locking means for securing the access means to theauxiliary cylinder; said locking means adapted to receive only the samekey for unlocking as fits the ignition switch.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said auxiliary cylinder includestherein the timing means and an electromechanical pump means foroperating the brakes via the vehicular brake system.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said logic means comprises gatemeans for applying power to the electrically actuable means in responseto energization of at least one of the vehicle coil circuitry and thevehicle starter motor circuitry when the ignition is OFF.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the gate means comprises OR gatemeans having a pair of input circuits; one of said input circuitsextending to the ignition coil circuitry and the other of said inputcircuits extending to the starter motor circuitry.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the OR gate means comprises a firsttransistor adapted to be rendered conductive by either input circuit,and a second transistor adapted to be rendered conductive by the firsttransistor for energizing the timer means.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 including a B+ connection from the vehicularelectrical system to the OFF connection of the ignition switch and fromthe OFF connection to the timer means and a further connection from thetimer means to the electrical actuable means for extending B+ to thelatter means when the timer means is actuated.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the timer means includes alarm meansactuable during the timing period.

10. The method of protecting a vehicle from theft through use of thevehicle electrical system having an ignition switch with an OFF contactposition, and ON contact extending to the ignition coil circuitry, and aSTART contact extending to the starter motor circuitry comprising thesteps of: sensing for energization of at least one of the ignition coilcircuitry and starter motor circuitry when the ignition switch is OFF;and increasing the pressure in the vehicular braking system whenenergization is sensed.

11. The method of claim 10 including the further I step of derivingpower from theOFF contact to operate the sensing step and to power theincreasing pressure step.

1. A vehicular brake protective system for use with a vehicular key typeignition having an OFF contact, an ON contact supplying the ignitioncoil circuitry, and a START contact supplying the starter motorcircuitry comprising in combination electrically actuable means forapplying the vehicular brakes; logic means responsive to: the ignitionin its OFF condition and at least one of the ignition coil and startermotor circuitry when energized to cause triggering of the logic circuit;and timer means responsive to triggering of the logic circuit to actuatethe electrically actuable means to apply the vehicular brakes.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrically actuable means comprisesan auxiliary cylinder in fluid connection with the brake system of thevehicle.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said auxilliary cylindercomprises access means and locking means for securing the access meansto the auxiliary cylinder; said locking means adapted to receive onlythe same key for unlocking as fits the ignition switch.
 4. The apparatusof claim 2 wherein said Auxiliary cylinder includes therein the timingmeans and an electromechanical pump means for operating the brakes viathe vehicular brake system.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidlogic means comprises gate means for applying power to the electricallyactuable means in response to energization of at least one of thevehicle coil circuitry and the vehicle starter motor circuitry when theignition is OFF.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the gate meanscomprises OR gate means having a pair of input circuits; one of saidinput circuits extending to the ignition coil circuitry and the other ofsaid input circuits extending to the starter motor circuitry.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein the OR gate means comprises a firsttransistor adapted to be rendered conductive by either input circuit,and a second transistor adapted to be rendered conductive by the firsttransistor for energizing the timer means.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7including a B+ connection from the vehicular electrical system to theOFF connection of the ignition switch and from the OFF connection to thetimer means and a further connection from the timer means to theelectrical actuable means for extending B+ to the latter means when thetimer means is actuated.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the timermeans includes alarm means actuable during the timing period.
 10. Themethod of protecting a vehicle from theft through use of the vehicleelectrical system having an ignition switch with an OFF contactposition, and ON contact extending to the ignition coil circuitry, and aSTART contact extending to the starter motor circuitry comprising thesteps of: sensing for energization of at least one of the ignition coilcircuitry and starter motor circuitry when the ignition switch is OFF;and increasing the pressure in the vehicular braking system whenenergization is sensed.
 11. The method of claim 10 including the furtherstep of deriving power from the OFF contact to operate the sensing stepand to power the increasing pressure step.